'A huge loss': Tributes as Walsall father-of-three dies after catching coronavirus
Tributes have been paid to a “caring and highly respected” father-of-three from Walsall who died after testing positive for coronavirus.
Mohammed Iqbal, who lived in Charlotte Street, died at Walsall Manor Hospital on Monday night aged 66, having caught Covid-19.
Paddock ward councillor Waheed Rasab, a close friend of Mr Iqbal, said his death was a huge loss to the community in which he was well respected.
A funeral for Mr Iqbal, who had three sons Ashiq, Asif and Asam, will take place for close family members only, with other relatives and friends urged not to visit his home or hold collective services due to the current restrictions.
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And there were renewed calls for people to adhere to the Government advice with regards to the lock-down and keeping isolated to stop the spread of the disease.
Councillor Rasab said Mr Iqbal regularly prayed at Central Mosque in Selbourne Street, Walsall.
He said: “Mr Iqbal was a very good man, family orientated and loved in the community. He is a huge loss and will be greatly missed by very many people.
“He had three sons and was a highly respected gentleman with good standing in this community.
“Mr Iqbal was a very good friend who I knew very well and he was supportive constituent.
"He was very happy when we changed Charlotte Street into a one-way traffic system to alleviate parking problems residents suffered from.
“I pay rich tribute to him and send my condolences to his family. It’s a huge loss of my good friend and a huge loss to the community.
“A very helpful caring man with compassion and love for all. May his soul rest in peace.”
Councillor Rasab and his family are currently in isolation and he urged everyone to do the same to take care of themselves.
He said: “This Covid-19 is destroying families and people are losing their loved ones.
“We all are going through one of the most difficult time life. Losing loved ones is not easy.”
As of Monday only two coronavirus deaths had been confirmed at Walsall Manor Hospital, but several more such as Mr Iqbal's will be included in public health figures once full testing has been carried out and all family members have been informed.
